In the fourth paragraph, the modal verb may expresses:
Can talking on a mobile phone be hazardous to your health? It is difficult to know for sure. Some research suggests that
heavy users of mobile phones are at a greater risk of developing cancerous brain tumours. However, many other
studies suggest there are no links between cancer and mobile phone use.
The main problem with the current research is that mobile phones have only been popular since the 1990s. As a
result, it is impossible to study long-term exposure to mobile phones. This concerns many health professionals who
point out that certain cancers can take over twenty years to develop. Another concern about these studies is that many
have been funded by the mobile phone industry or those who benefit from it.
Over five billion people now use mobile phones on a daily basis, and many talk for more than an hour a day. Mobile
phone antennas are similar to microwave ovens. While both rely on electromagnetic radiation (EMR), the radio waves
in mobile phones are lower in frequency. Microwave ovens have radio wave frequencies that are high enough to cook
food, and they are also known to be dangerous to human tissues like those in the brain. The concern is that the lowerfrequency radio waves that mobile phones rely on may also be dangerous. It seems logical that holding a heat source
near your brain for a long period of time is a potential health hazard.
Some researchers believe that other types of wireless technology may also be dangerous to human health, including
cordless phones, wireless gaming consoles, and laptop or tablet computers with wireless connections. They suggest
replacing all cordless and wireless devices with wired ones where possible. They also say that many cordless phones
can emit dangerous levels of Electromagnetic Radiation even when they are not in use. They even suggest keeping
electronic devices such as desktop and tablet computers out of the bedroom, or at least six feet from the head while
we're sleeping.
A growing number of health professionals worldwide are recommending that mobile phone users err on the side of
caution until more definitive studies can be conducted. They use the example of tobacco to illustrate the potential risks.
Many years ago, people smoked freely and were not concerned about the effects of cigarettes on their health. Today,
people know that cigarettes cause lung cancer, though it is still unknown exactly how or why. Some doctors fear that the
same thing will happen with mobile phones. In May 2016, the UK's Independent newspaper reported on research by
the US government's National Toxicology Program that showed a slight increase in brain tumours among rats exposed
to the type of radio frequencies commonly emitted by mobile phones. This doesn't prove that mobile phones can cause
brain tumours in humans, but it does show that it's possible. As a result, many experts now recommend texting or using
head sets or speaker phones instead of holding a mobile phone to the ear.
(Source: https://www.englishclub.com/reading/health/cell-phone.htm)
Gabarito comentado
Tema central:
A questão avalia o entendimento do uso do verbo modal "may" em contexto, tema essencial em provas de interpretação de texto de Inglês. Os modais são frequentemente testados, pois determinam nuances de certeza, possibilidade e permissão em frases.
Conceito-chave:
"May" expressa possibilidade ou incerteza, não certeza absoluta. Isso está de acordo com obras de referência como “Practical English Usage” de Michael Swan, onde o autor destaca que "may" normalmente sinaliza algo possível, mas não confirmado.
Análise da alternativa correta (B):
Na frase “Some researchers believe that other types of wireless technology may also be dangerous to human health,” o texto transmite a ideia de que existe uma possibilidade, mas que não há certeza. Esse uso do "may" não confirma o perigo, apenas sugere que é possível.
Estratégia de resolução: Relacione sempre os modais ao grau de certeza. May → possível, mas não comprovado. Atente-se a palavras que indiquem dúvida ou suposição.
Análise das alternativas incorretas:
A) Falsa generalização. "May" não indica certeza, mas sim possibilidade. Atenção a pegadinhas que envolvem termos como “are convinced” (“estão convencidos”).
C) Erro de contexto. O texto não afirma que “recentes estudos provaram” a inexistência de riscos. “May” é utilizado visando possibilidade, não por causa de provas em sentido contrário.
D) Novamente, “may” não expressa certeza ou evidências definitivas. Cuidado com alternativas que trocam termos modais (“must”, “will”) por “may” para confundir o candidato.
Resumo prático: Sempre que encontrar o modal “may”, associe à ideia de algo possível, mas não garantido. Fique atento a pegadinhas de certeza versus hipótese — modais como “must” e “will” indicam certeza, enquanto “may” e “might” indicam incerteza ou possibilidade.
Alternativa correta: B
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